Is It Just Us, or Do Serums Seem to Get Better and Better?

If you're yet to invite a face serum into the inner folds of your beauty routine, I firmly advise you do so ASAP. Seriously—the best serums are like a supercharged shot of potent actives held in lightweight, silky formulas that allow skincare ingredients to get where they need to quickly. Although I'm still not 100% sold on the idea of forgoing moisturiser, in some cases (like if your skin leans towards the oilier side), a really good serum will give you hydration without residual greasiness.

Now, we've already covered off some of our all-time favourite formulas over here, but considering new serums land on the Byrdie beauty desk almost every single day, we thought it was about time we called out some of the most impressive newcomers to the category. These little vials and pumps hold the key to that glowier, more resilient, firmer complexion—you know, the one we're all holding out for.

I added Caudalie's new serum into my regimen a few weeks ago, and I've already started to see a difference. It focuses on skin energy and the belief that tired skin doesn't work as hard doing its usual tasks such as producing collagen and hyaluronic acid. To wake lazy skin up, the serum contains resveratrol and betaine, which infiltrate skin's mitochondria (energy factories), effectively jolting it back to life.

Pollution sucks—we all know that—so finding a defence mechanism is just as important to skin brightness and strength as your daily slathering of SPF. Dr. Barbara Sturm's serum is laced with antioxidants, which are like little warriors that bat off environmental aggressors left, right and centre. It also contains extracts from cocoa seeds that have the power to defend skin from the harsh HEV light that radiates from our phones and computer screens.

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Okay, I'm still not ready to shut up about Kate Somerville's incredible skincare range that's finally landed on UK soil. Although I'm not sold on the idea that ageing is something we need to put up a fight against (I mean, time is going to continue regardless), I'm also of the belief that if you want to minimise fine lines, you should be allowed to do so without guilt. Which brings me to this serum—it contains three differently sized hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate the layer of the skin to plump it up from within. It also simply lays down a really nice wash of moisture that skin will continue to drink up all day.

No doubt you'll have tried The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£6), which is undoubtedly the cheapest way to ply skin with a heavy dose of this hydrating ingredient. I love it, but find that it takes a little while to sink in, meaning I either have to wait 10 minutes before doing my makeup or risk the formula pilling. Marine hyaluronics, on the other hand, use algae-based ingredients that have the same propensity to attract and hold water as HA, but they are SO MUCH LIGHTER, making the overall serum super light and silky.

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The world of vitamin skincare is pretty confusing, but Joanna Vargas's serum combines all the ones you need to worry about. First there's vitamin A, which is good for stimulating cell turnover, and increasing skin density and firmness. There's also vitamin C, which is the best thing if you want to dial up skin brightness, and vitamin E, an antioxidant, which will help treat any areas of pigmentation. Finally, there's a helping of vitamin F, a fatty acid that is great for adding moisture to parched skin.

So there you have it—now it's time to get to shopping. Your skin will thank you.